Things To Do
in Campo Novo do Parecis

Campo Novo do Parecis is a small agricultural municipality in the western part of Mato Grosso, Brazil, set on the Parecis plateau with a landscape of rolling cerrado, small rivers and farmland. The town serves as a regional hub for soy, corn and cattle production, giving it a practical, working-town character with friendly, down-to-earth people. Nature around the municipality includes patchy cerrado, pockets of gallery forest along waterways and scenic viewpoints on low plateaus that are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Visitors come mostly for rural tourism, fishing, birdwatching and to experience interior-Brazil life rather than for big-city attractions.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Campo Novo do Parecis
morning
:

Arrive at Campo Novo do Parecis and check into your accommodations. Begin your day by savoring a traditional Brazilian breakfast at a local café, where you can enjoy fresh fruits, pão de queijo, and coffee. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to soak in the local atmosphere and meet welcoming residents.

afternoon
:

Explore the historical sites in Campo Novo do Parecis, including charming churches and local markets. Try out local cuisine for lunch, perhaps a delicious feijoada or a variety of fresh regional fruits. As the afternoon light softens, visit the nearby nature trails for a tranquil walk amidst the lush greenery.

evening
:

Experience a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional dishes while enjoying Brazilian music. Spend the evening wandering through the town square, where you might encounter cultural events or live performances. End your day with a relaxing night under the stars, reflecting on your first impressions of this vibrant community.

day 2
Exploration of the Pantanal
morning
:

Rise early and embark on a thrilling excursion to the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland. Join a guided tour to experience the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem, where you’ll have the chance to spot capybaras, caimans, and an array of bird species. The morning sun rising over the wetlands offers breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of wildlife and the rustling of leaves. Continue your adventure with a boat ride or a guided walk through the lush vegetation, learning about the diverse flora and fauna that call the Pantanal home. Keep your camera ready for any encounters with the elusive jaguar or colorful macaws.

evening
:

Return to Campo Novo do Parecis for a well-deserved dinner, discussing the day's adventures with fellow travelers. Opt for a restaurant that offers local specialties, such as freshly grilled fish or seasoned meats. Wind down your day by visiting a local bar, where you can enjoy drinks and live music, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee / Snack at bakery$1-3
🍺Local beer (bar)$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride$2-8
🏨Basic guesthouse / pousada (per night)$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic interior-Brazil experience with friendly local hospitality
  • Access to countryside activities: fishing, horseback riding and birdwatching
  • Scenic plateau and river landscapes ideal for photography
  • Lower prices than major tourist destinations; relaxed pace
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
  • Unpaved roads and weather-related access issues during the wet season
  • Scarcer dining and entertainment options compared with larger cities
  • Limited medical and specialty services locally
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o centro?" - Where is the town center?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Campo Novo do Parecis

Visit one of these nice places.

Town Square and Church

Capture everyday life, architecture and portraits of local vendors in soft morning light.

Parecis Plateau Viewpoints

Low plateaus offer wide vistas of cerrado and farmland—excellent for sunrise/sunset landscape shots and sweeping panoramas.

Rivers and Riparian Forests

Small rivers and gallery forest edges are great for bird photography, reflections and intimate nature images.

Fazendas and Ranch Roads

Dirt roads, cattle, and rural scenes convey the agricultural character—excellent for documentary-style photos of interior life.

Culinary Guide

Food in Campo Novo do Parecis

Cuisine in Campo Novo do Parecis reflects interior-Mato Grosso traditions and agrarian produce—hearty, meat-forward dishes with staples like rice, beans and manioc. Fresh local beef, pork and river fish are common, accompanied by seasonal fruits and simple regional sweets. Meals tend to be filling and straightforward, with bakeries and family restaurants serving comforting home-style cooking.

Campo Novo do Parecis Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco (regional style)

Grilled beef and pork, often served at local churrascarias and family barbecues; ask for cuts typical to the region and try with farofa and vinaigrette. Good places are small local steakhouses and weekend gatherings.

Must-Try!

Peixe de rio (river fish)

Freshwater fish prepared grilled or fried, sometimes in a light sauce—available at riverside restaurants and local eateries near waterways.

Feijão com arroz e mandioca

The classic rice-and-beans with cassava (manioc) accompaniment—everyday staple served at small restaurants and homes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Feira Livre / Local Market

Periodic open-air markets selling fresh produce, baked goods and snacks; ideal for tasting local fruits, fresh pão de queijo, simple pastéis and seasonal specialties.

Street Snack Stalls

Small stalls and bakery counters close to the central square serve coxinha, pastéis and local cakes—perfect for a quick bite and people-watching.

Climate Guide

Weather

Campo Novo do Parecis has a tropical savanna/continental-influenced climate with a distinct wet season (roughly November–March) and a pronounced dry season (April–October). Temperatures are warm year-round, often hot in the pre-wet months, while nights can be pleasantly cool during the dry winter months. High humidity and heavy rains in the wet season can make travel conditions challenging on unpaved roads.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Friendly, polite greetings are important—use 'Bom dia' (good morning) and 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon), and shake hands in first meetings; friends may greet with a light kiss on the cheek.

Respect for Rural Life

Be respectful when visiting private farms—ask permission before taking photos of people, livestock or property and follow host instructions.

Modesty and Dress

Dress casually but neatly—avoid beachwear in town; comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended for outdoor activities.

Invitations and Hospitality

Locals are hospitable; if invited to a home, bringing a small gift like sweets or coffee is appreciated and remove shoes if asked.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safer than larger Brazilian cities, but petty theft and opportunistic crime can occur—keep valuables secure and be cautious with phones and cameras in public. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit or isolated areas; use trusted local transport after dark. In rural outings, take precautions with sun, insects and water safety—carry water, insect repellent and a basic first-aid kit, and inform hosts or guides of your plans.

Tipping in Campo Novo do Parecis

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; in restaurants a 10% service charge may be added—if not, a 5–10% tip for good service is typical. For guides, drivers and hotel staff, small cash tips are welcome for personalized service.

Payment Methods

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used, especially in small shops, markets and rural areas. Cards are accepted at larger restaurants and supermarkets, but connectivity may be unreliable—carry cash for remote excursions and small purchases.

ATMs and Currency

ATMs exist in town but may have limits or be offline sometimes; withdraw enough cash in larger towns if you plan to travel to remote fazendas. Credit cards work in many places but inform your bank if traveling.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Wet season (roughly November–March): expect frequent heavy afternoon storms, lush vegetation and high insect activity. Roads can become muddy and some rural routes may be difficult without 4x4 transport; river levels rise, improving some fishing but reducing accessibility in low-lying areas.

Autumn

Transitional period with drier weather starting (April–May). Temperatures are still warm but rainfall decreases—good time for outdoor activities, clearer skies and easier travel on dirt roads.

Winter

Dry season (June–August): cooler nights, low humidity and clearer skies—best time for hiking, birdwatching and landscape photography. Dust on unpaved roads can be an issue.

Spring

Wet season returns (September–October) with increasing humidity and showers; vegetation regrows after the dry season and flowers appear but expect more unpredictable weather.

Nightlife Guide

Campo Novo do Parecis at Night

Nightlife is low-key and centered on local bars, small live-music venues and occasional community events or rodeos. On weekends you can find bars with live sertanejo or forró music, churrascos and social gatherings; there are few late-night clubs, so expect an early, friendly atmosphere rather than a bustling party scene.

Hiking in Campo Novo do Parecis

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Parecis Plateau View Hikes

Short trails and dirt-road walks to low-plateau viewpoints offering wide-open vistas of cerrado and farmland—best at sunrise or sunset for photography.

Riverside Trails

Gentle walks along gallery forests and riverbanks for birdwatching and seeing riparian plants; take insect repellent and water.

Private Fazenda Trails

Many local ranches offer guided hikes or rides on private trails—arrange permission or a visit through a host to experience rural landscapes and cattle country.

Airports

How to reach Campo Novo do Parecis by plane.

Sinop (regional airport)

A regional airport in Sinop serves flights to larger hubs; it is commonly used by visitors to western Mato Grosso and is a several-hour drive from Campo Novo do Parecis—rent a car or take intercity bus/taxi from there.

Cuiabá – Marechal Rondon (major airport)

Cuiabá’s airport is the main air gateway to Mato Grosso with flights from Brazil’s larger cities; expect a long overland journey to Campo Novo do Parecis and consider arranging onward transport in advance.

Sorriso / Regional airports

Smaller regional airports in the vicinity may offer limited scheduled flights; these can be convenient if available seasonally, but check schedules and ground connections beforehand.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easy to walk, with shops, bakeries and restaurants within short distances. However, many points of interest (farms, rivers, viewpoints) require a vehicle, and sidewalks may be limited—comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Agricultural families and farmers

A large portion of the population is involved in farming, cattle raising and associated industries—community life often centers around farming schedules and local commerce.

Internal migrants and seasonal workers

Workers who migrate seasonally for harvest and agribusiness contribute to a diverse mix of backgrounds and traditions.

Small-town residents and local entrepreneurs

Local business owners, service providers and public servants who support the town’s economy and social life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (Soccer)

Soccer is the dominant pastime—local amateur matches and youth leagues are common and community-supported.

Rodeo and Equestrian Events

Rodeos, working cattle events and horseback competitions are popular in the agricultural culture and draw local crowds, especially during festivals.

Fishing and Recreational Angling

Sport fishing in rivers and reservoirs is a widespread recreational activity among residents and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within town is light and manageable, but long journeys between towns mean driving on federal highways and numerous unpaved rural roads. During the wet season, dirt roads can become slow or impassable—a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is recommended for countryside access. Public transportation consists mainly of intercity buses, limited local buses and taxis; mototaxis may operate for short trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Campo Novo do Parecis.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are limited in rural Mato Grosso but possible—request rice, beans, salads and manioc-based dishes; larger restaurants in town may adapt simple vegetarian plates on request, and bakeries provide snacks.

Vegan / Gluten-free

Vegan and gluten-free options are uncommon; bring staples or snacks if you have strict needs and communicate clearly in Portuguese. Supermarkets carry some basics but specialty items may be scarce.

Allergies

If you have food allergies, learn the Portuguese terms (e.g., 'amendoim' for peanut) and inform servers; cross-contamination at small kitchens is possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare facilities are available in town for common ailments and minor emergencies (public clinics and a small hospital). For serious conditions, advanced care is found in larger regional centers such as Sinop or Cuiabá—travel times can be several hours, so travel insurance and contingency plans are advised. Pharmacies carry common medications, but bring any specialty prescriptions with you.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide